MK Stalin also highlighted a “significant increase” in the number of fishermen arrested.
Chennai:
While urging the Center to expedite its diplomatic efforts to secure the release of fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan authorities, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concern over the increase in attacks on members from the state fishing community in the region and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the problem as soon as possible.
In his letter to Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Stalin stated: “I write to express my deep concern over the alarming increase in the number of detentions of Tamil fishermen and their boats by the Sri Lankan authorities. This issue has serious implications for the right to livelihood. of these fishermen, as the communities have used these fishing waters for generations.”
CM Stalin urged Prime Minister Modi to renew the Joint Action Group to solve fishermen's problems.
He also highlighted a “significant increase” in the number of fishermen being arrested.
“The traditional fishing waters that Tamil fishermen have relied on for generations are becoming increasingly limited, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods, impacting the economic stability of these communities. This also threatens the cultural and social fabric of the region that revolves around the fishing sector. “In 2023, the Sri Lanka Navy arrested 243 fishermen and seized 37 boats. However, in the last 28 days alone, 88 fishermen and 12 boats were apprehended in six incidents,” wrote CM Stalin.
He said legislation recently passed in Sri Lanka allows the country to nationalize the seized boats, which could push members of the state's fishing community into poverty.
“I had previously addressed you about the amendment made by the Government of Sri Lanka to the Fisheries Act in 2018, which allows the Government of Sri Lanka to nationalize foreign fishing vessels. As a result of this action by Sri Lanka, the seized fishing boats of our fishermen which are in good condition cannot be recovered and returned to Tamil Nadu. Many fishermen have invested their savings in acquiring and maintaining their boats, which are vital to their trade,” he wrote while urging the Sri Lankan government to make the necessary changes. the law.
CM Stalin also requested PM Modi to ensure that “all diplomatic efforts should be made to secure the release of 77 fishermen and their 151 boats from Sri Lanka”.
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